Quick Balcony Cabin Facts
- Size Range: 150-305 sq ft (14-28 m²) total space, with balconies from 30-60 sq ft (3-6 m²)
- Best Location: Mid-ship for stability, aft for larger balconies and wake views
- Hidden Gems: Cove balconies sit closer to water, “obstructed view” sometimes means oversized space
- Price Range: Expect $200-400 per night, with mid-ship commanding premium rates
- Avoid: Balconies under public decks or near galley areas
Balcony Size Reality Check
| Ship/Line | Interior Space | Balcony Size |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Balcony | 180-200 sq ft (17-19 m²) | 35-50 sq ft (3-5 m²) |
| Norwegian/Princess | 150-180 sq ft (14-17 m²) | 30-40 sq ft (3-4 m²) |
| Aft Balcony | 180-220 sq ft (17-20 m²) | 50-80 sq ft (5-7 m²) |
| Cove Balcony (Carnival) | 185 sq ft (17 m²) | 35 sq ft (3 m²) |
Don’t believe the cruise line marketing that treats all balcony cabins as equals. I’ve stayed in “balcony” cabins where you couldn’t fit two chairs without playing Tetris, and others with enough space for a small dinner party. The difference isn’t just square footage – it’s location, design, and those sneaky subcategories cruise lines use to maximize profit. Or even saying it has an obstructed view when all it is is a solid panel instead of glass for a balcony twice the normal size.
The industry standard balcony cabin averages 197 sq ft (18.3 m²) total, but that’s like saying the average temperature includes both the Arctic and Sahara. According to recent industry data, a Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas balcony measures 232 sq ft total (182 sq ft cabin + 50 sq ft balcony), while Norwegian’s newer ships squeeze you into spaces 20% smaller.
For complete cabin guidance, check our cruise cabins guide or visit our cruise tips hub for insider strategies.
Location: Where Geography Trumps Glossy Brochures
Mid-Ship: The Premium Sweet Spot
Mid-ship balconies command higher prices for good reason – you’ll experience minimal ship movement and quick access to everything. On Symphony of the Seas, choosing mid-ship over forward/aft adds $80 per person, but it’s worth every penny if you’re prone to seasickness.
Forward Cabins: First Views, Maximum Motion
Forward balconies offer dramatic port arrival views but deliver the most pronounced pitching motion. Skip these if anyone in your party gets queasy – the money saved isn’t worth a miserable cruise.
Aft Balconies: Space and Wake Views
Aft locations typically offer 30-50% larger balconies to accommodate ship superstructure. You’ll enjoy wake views and often more privacy, but expect engine vibration on older ships and occasional exhaust smells.
Pro tip: Deck plans don’t always show balcony sizes accurately – call the cruise line directly for specific measurements.
The Hidden Balcony Categories They Don’t Advertise
Cove Balconies: Carnival’s Clever Design
Available on select Carnival ships, these sit lower on the hull closer to the waterline. You’ll get more intimate water views and better stability, though some guests feel “enclosed” compared to traditional balconies.
Interior-Facing Balconies: The Budget Compromise
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Icon class ships offer balconies overlooking Central Park or Boardwalk neighborhoods. You’ll save 30-40% versus ocean-view balconies while still getting outdoor space and natural light. Perfect for families who want balcony perks without ocean views.
Celebrity’s Infinite Verandas
These clever designs feature floor-to-ceiling windows that retract completely, creating an “infinite” feel between cabin and balcony. The actual outdoor space remains small, but the sensation of openness rivals much larger traditional balconies.
Obstructed Views: Sometimes Hidden Treasures
Not all obstructions are created equal. I didn’t realize how much it mattered until we picked a fantastic option on our last 30-day Princess cruise. The cabin was marked “obstructed view” but what was the obstruction, we wondered, automatically thinking it would be a lifeboat. Turned out it was just a solid railing instead of glass panels, but we got a balcony twice the normal size at the very front of the ship with incredible views for the same price as a normal balcony. We were thrilled with all that extra space.
Always ask: What specifically causes the obstruction? Sometimes it’s a design advantage disguised as a discount.
Privacy Myths and Balcony Reality
Cruise line marketing loves the word “private” when describing balconies, but true privacy requires understanding ship architecture:
- Vertical Privacy: Balconies above can see down onto yours
- Horizontal Privacy: Dividers between balconies vary from solid walls to gaps you could pass drinks through
- Deck Accessibility: Some balconies connect to public deck areas
When we were on the Royal Princess walking on their cool sky walk, you could look down right into a whole bunch of balcony cabins. Plus they wouldn’t get much sun just due to the shape of the ship in that middle section. It was a real eye-opener about how “private” these spaces actually are – and why cabin location matters more than cruise lines let on.
Only suite-level accommodations typically offer genuine privacy.
The Small Balcony Problem
Norwegian and Princess ships are notorious for narrow balconies that barely accommodate two chairs. On some Norwegian ships, the balcony is so small you have to choose between sitting outside OR having the door open – not both.
Red flags on deck plans:
- Balconies under 35 sq ft (3 m²)
- Narrow rectangular shapes
- Cabins directly under public pool areas
Smart Booking Strategies
Deck Plan Investigation
Always examine deck plans before booking. Look for:
- Balconies positioned below public areas (noise)
- Proximity to galley vents (smells)
- Lifeboats that might block views
- Connecting doors to public promenades
Subcategory Decoded
Cruise lines use subcategories (B1, B2, B3, etc.) primarily for location pricing, not cabin differences. However, some categories indicate:
- Occupancy differences (2-person vs 4-person configurations)
- Actual size variations (always verify specific measurements)
- Amenity differences (some include special perks)
Upgrade Opportunities
Book guarantee balcony cabins during low-demand periods for potential upgrades to premium locations or larger spaces. The cruise line’s mobile app often offers paid upgrades 60-90 days before sailing.
When Balconies Aren’t Worth It
Skip balcony cabins if:
- You’re sailing repositioning cruises in rough weather
- Your itinerary includes port-intensive days with early departures
- You’re prone to vertigo or height anxiety
- Budget constraints mean sacrificing other cruise experiences
Consider inside cabins instead – you’ll save enough money for shore excursions and specialty dining that matter more than rarely-used outdoor space.
Special Balcony Types Worth Knowing
Spa Balconies
Some Celebrity and other luxury lines offer spa-themed balcony cabins with zen décor and spa access perks. You’ll pay a premium but get priority spa reservations and sometimes complimentary treatments.
Family Balconies
Larger configurations sleeping 5-6 guests with additional storage and bathroom space. Norwegian’s family balconies often include separate children’s areas.
Accessible Balconies
Required to meet ADA standards, these feature wider doorways, roll-out access, and more maneuvering space. Only book if needed – they’re limited and essential for travelers requiring accessibility features.
Common Questions
Can I smoke on my balcony?
Absolutely not. Cruise lines prohibit smoking on balconies with fines up to £500 and potential disembarkation. Use designated smoking areas only.
What happens to balcony furniture during storms?
Crew secures or removes furniture during rough weather. You’ll be restricted from balcony access until conditions improve – standard safety protocol.
Are connecting balcony cabins available?
Yes, many ships offer connecting cabins with interior doors plus adjacent balconies. Perfect for families wanting proximity while maintaining separate spaces.
Can I dry clothes on my balcony?
Check your cruise line’s specific policies. Many prohibit hanging items on balconies for aesthetic and safety reasons. Use cabin bathroom clotheslines instead.
Do balcony cabins have different soundproofing?
Balcony cabins may experience slightly more ambient noise due to sliding doors, but the difference from interior cabins is minimal. Modern ships use quality soundproofing throughout.
Can I request specific balcony orientations?
For traditional ocean-view balconies, you can request port or starboard side, but guarantees depend on availability. Some cruise lines charge premiums for specific side requests on scenic routes
